My son said, “no,” again and again. It was dinner time and I wanted him to eat his vegetables, yet he simply refused. There was no prize that would convince him to eat, and no punishment that would sway his decision. He was as stubborn as Pharoah, who refused to let the Jewish people leave Egypt. As he stood his ground, I could only smile and admire his great stubbornness.
Imagine we had that stubbornness when it came to learning something new? No matter how many times we would fail, we would still strive to succeed. You see every time you fail, you become a different person with new experiences and understanding. This gives you a better chance to succeed the next time.
Many years ago, a couple was struggling to have children, and decided that if Hashem would not be kind to them, then they needed to make Hashem change his mind. They decided to do one of the greatest forms of kindness and adopt not one, but three children. As they helped these young children grow into young adults, they began considering adopting a fourth child.
When they resolved to go ahead with the adoption, the husband received a phone call from his wife. She said, “Maybe there will not be enough space for the other adopted child.” He said, “We have space, as we can make another room.” She said, “I do not think so.” “Why not?” he responded. She shrieked with excitement and said, “Because I am expecting triplets!” Even after hearing the good news they decided to adopt the child anyway, as he was a sibling of one of their adopted children.
Fast forward to the year 2023 and that couple that could not have children just married off their fourth biological child. After deciding to adopt their 4 child, Hashem blessed them with a fourth child.
Many of us are striving to make ends meet, educate our children, and be good Jews in this world. Do not give up no matter how hard it is. Your stubbornness will reach blessings from Hashem when you realize that the result is just a matter of when and not if. Wishing you all success in being the best Jews you can be, no matter what.
